Last Sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, February 19, at 10:00 am
The form for this service can also be found in The Book of Common Prayer, page 355. Spoken responses are in bold typeface.
Prelude: “Larghetto” G.F. Handel
The Word of God
Hymn 129: “Christ upon the mountain peak”
1. Christ upon the mountain peak
stands alone in glory blazing;
let us, if we dare to speak,
with the saints and angels praise him.
Alleluia!
2. Trembling at his feet we saw
Moses and Elijah speaking.
All the prophets and the Law
shout through them their joyful greeting.
Alleluia!
3. Swift the cloud of glory came.
God proclaiming in its thunder
Jesus as his Son by name!
Nations cry aloud in wonder!
Alleluia!
4. This is God’s belovèd Son!
Law and prophets fade before him;
first and last and only One,
let creation now adore him!
Alleluia!
Opening Acclamation
Celebrant ✠ Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria: “Glory to God in the highest”
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Psalm: 2
1 Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2 Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the Lord and against his Anointed?
3 “Let us break their yoke,” they say; *
“let us cast off their bonds from us.”
4 He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5 Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6 “I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion.”
7 Let me announce the decree of the Lord: *
he said to me, “You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”
10 And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Submit to the Lord with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12 Lest he be angry and you perish; *
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13 Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!
Second Lesson: 2 Peter 1:16-21
We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn 134: “O Light of Light, love given birth”
1. O Light of Light, Love given birth;
Jesus, Redeemer of the earth:
more bright than day your face did show,
your raiment whiter than the snow.
2. Two prophets, who had faith to see,
with your elect found company;
the heavens above your glory named,
your Father’s voice his Son proclaimed.
3. May all who seek to praise aright
through purer lives show forth your light.
To you, the King of glory, now
all faithful hearts adoring bow.
Alleluia
The choir sings the Alleluias, then all repeat them.
The Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Celebrant The ✠ Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Nicene Creed Said in unison
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
✠ and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Leader In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence. The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for ✠ all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence. The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant offers an absolution.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And with thy spirit.
The ministers and the people greet one another with a sign of peace.
The Holy Communion
The Celebrant begins the Offertory with a sentence of Scripture.
During the Offertory an anthem is sung, and the Altar is prepared with the elements of Holy Communion.
The Offering is brought forward. The people stand and are censed by the acolyte.
To give an offering, choose one of the following:
Text: message 73256 with the phrase saintpauls $X (insert an amount in place of X)
Check: mail your offering to St. Paul’s Church, 84 E Oakland Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901
Anthem: “Praise” Alec Rowley
To the Master of music and loveliness:
Praise, power, dominion forever.
To the Lord of the Word of Creation
be praise, power, dominion forever.
To the Maker of movement, colour and light:
Praise, power, dominion forever.
To the Builder, Designer, Creator,
be praise, power, dominion forever.
To the Theme of all song, Inspiration of Love:
To the Artist of Life, to the Greatest and Least:
Praise, power, dominion forever.
For He is the greatest upon His high throne,
And He was the least as the child of a maiden:
Praise then, to Jesus whose mother was Mary,
And praise now to Christ who is God in the midst of us.
Praise, Praise, Praise, Praise.
Lord of all beauty, adoring we come to Thee:
Give us Thyself both in time and eternity.
Lord of all beauty, adoring we come to Thee:
Off’ring all that we are or can hope to be,
Lord of all beauty
Praise, power, dominion forever.
The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer A
The people stand and the Celebrant sings
The Celebrant continues
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Sanctus: “Holy, holy, holy Lord”
The Celebrant continues
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. ✠ Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Fraction
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread. A period of silence is kept.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
Then, facing the people, the Celebrant says
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Spiritual Communion: Act of Reception
During Communion, you are invited to say the following prayer form for receiving Spiritual Communion. Know that the grace of God is made present in your heart, even though the Sacrament is not received with the mouth.
In union, blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death, and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory.
I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen.
Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Anthem: “Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face” Percy Whitlock
Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here faith can touch and handle things unseen;
Here would I grasp with firmer hand Thy grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the Royal wine of Heav’n;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load;
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.
Hymn 137: “O wondrous type! O vision fair”
1. O wondrous type! O vision fair
of glory that the Church may share,
which Christ upon the mountain shows,
where brighter than the sun he glows!
2. With Moses and Elijah nigh
the incarnate Lord holds converse high;
and from the cloud, the Holy One
bears record to the only Son.
3. With shining face and bright array,
Christ deigns to manifest today
what glory shall be theirs above
who joy in God with perfect love.
4. And faithful hearts are raised on high
by this great vision’s mystery;
for which in joyful strains we raise
the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
5. O Father, with the eternal Son,
and Holy Spirit, ever One,
vouchsafe to bring us by thy grace
to see thy glory face to face.
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father,
you have graciously accepted us as living members
of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
and you have fed us with spiritual food
in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.
Send us now into the world in peace,
and grant us strength and courage
to love and serve you
with gladness and singleness of heart;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Welcome & Announcements
Blessing & Dismissal
The Celebrant blesses the people and dismisses them.
The people respond Thanks be to God.
Postlude: “Finale in A” Gothbert Harris
Service Participants
Celebrant: The Rev. Daniel T. Moore
Preacher: The Rev. Mary McCullough
Eucharistic Minister: Widgette Kelly
Acolyte: Emma Ward
Lector: Leigh DeTato
Ushers: Ted Hopkins, Joe DeTato
Altar Guild: Sara Frister, Widgette Kelly
Flowers: Anne Shute
A/V: Liam Kelly
Organist: W. Edward McCall
Choir: George Achilles, Trudie Benton, Wendy Brumbaugh, J.T. Capps, Carol Fox, Laura Pankoe, Shelley Reed, Robert Risch, Mike Roberts, Sue Roberts, Amber Robinson, Anne Shute, Jim Shute, Caitlin Stein, Marian Wentworth
Online giving is available through Realm E-Giving and PayPal. We thank you for your generous giving to St. Paul’s.
Today: Quinquagesima Sunday
Don’t miss Coffee Hour today! For Quinquagesima Sunday (Shrove Sunday), the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will be providing coffee, tea and lots of DONUTS!
Ash Wednesday
St. Paul’s will observe Ash Wednesday at 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM this Wednesday, February 22. Both liturgies include the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. The evening mass includes music, choir, and incense. Come and receive the church’s invitation to the observance of a holy Lent.
Who Puts the Fun in Fundraising??
The 175th Anniversary Committee, that’s who! Beginning Sunday February 19 and continuing on consecutive Sundays through March 19, we will be taking orders for Kids and Adults T-shirts, and adult golf shirts to celebrate our Demisemiseptcentennial! Photo samples will be available as well as sizing options at the signup desk in Paxson Hall after the 8 and 10 am services. Cash or check due at time of order. Credit card option is available here. Additionally, updated copies of “The History of St Paul’s Church” will be available for $30 each.
175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
We stand only weeks away from the Historic 175th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Episcopal of Doylestown. A meaningful and fun Celebration is planned for April 22nd and 23rd. Please contribute to inspire this event. Bishop Gutierrez and the Mayor of Doylestown are also invited. Designate any donations as St. Paul’s 175Fund. If you have any questions, please contact David Nejako using the church directory.
Social Justice Committee: Lenten Study
The St. Paul’s Social Justice Committee would like to share the following program offered at Trinity Episcopal Church, Buckingham: Trinity Buckingham’s 2023 Lenten Series on Science & Religion, moderated by Dr. Steven Mann, will begin Sunday Feb. 26 and continue on Mar. 5, 12, 19, and 26th. This year’s program is entitled: Race - The Power of an Illusion. Dr. Mann’s Lenten Series on Science and Religion aligns with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania’s ongoing Anti-Racism Commission (ARC) efforts. The program will take place on Sundays beginning at Noon and ending between 1:30 - 2:00 PM in Trinity’s parish hall. Due to the timing, it is a BYOL (bring your own lunch) event. Coffee and tea will be provided. The program will include the evolutionary basis for human skin color by Paleoanthropologist Dr. Elen Feuerriegel. Then, we move on to three episodes from the DVD series titled Race - The Power of an Illusion, Part 1-“The Difference Between Us,” Part 2 - “The Story We Tell,” and Part 3 - “The House We Live In.” The final two segments of the program are from the PBS American Experience program titled; The Eugenics Crusade - What’s Wrong with Perfect?
“Coldest Night of the Year”
The “Coldest Night of the Year” is a winter family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. If you would like to team up with St. Paul’s Outreach to fundraise and help those in our community, please click here for additional information. The walk is scheduled for Feb. 25th 4pm at the Judicial Building. If you are interested or have other questions, please contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
St. Mary’s Sololá, Guatemala
During this Lenten season, we again will be conducting a fundraising campaign for our Companion Church, St. Mary’s Sololá, Guatemala. The people of Guatemala continue to deal with problems which resulted from the pandemic. They are also dealing with other weather-related emergencies which make education, sufficient food, clean drinking water and healthcare very difficult and a huge challenge. Would you please consider donating during this campaign to help with this dire situation? Thank you for your help and support. Questions? Contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
Women’s Ministry Offering: “Getting the Kinks Out”
Our lower backs, upper backs, and legs do a whole lot for us, and to love on them is a great way to pay attention to self-care. We will be practicing a little yoga / self massage / stretching together while exploring how this relates to our Lord’s greatest commandments. Taking place Saturday, February 25 in the Parish Hall at 10:00. Attendees will want to gather some props, so be sure to contact Leigh DeTato for the short list of items.
Lenten Quiet Morning
Join us for a Lenten Quiet Morning on Saturday, March 11, from 9:00 am to noon, led by the Rev. Mary McCullough. Mary+ is a priest of our Diocese, and served for many years at Trinity Church in Ambler. The theme of this quiet morning is “Stay With Me”. Coffee, tea, and light refreshment are provided. This morning is an opportunity to set aside time for spiritual reflection, in the observance of a holy Lent. To sign up online go here.
Youth Formation: volunteers needed
Hello St. Paul’s Family! We are in need of some adults and teens who are interested in helping out with Youth Formation. If you are interested in helping the youth explore new ideas and gain a better understanding of who God is in their lives, please reach out to Maureen McGraw or Elizabeth Pitts. This would only take a commitment of about an hour or so every 2-3 months and would involve helping to answer questions and helping with different activities. Please sign up to help at: https://bit.ly/stpyouthvolunteers2023
Little Free Pantry
I want to offer a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has helped to keep the Little Free Pantry stocked. Your kindness and generosity are very much appreciated by all who need your help so desperately. Thank you again, and I hope the food supply and terrific generosity will continue. As I mentioned before, snack bars, crackers, shelf stable milk, nuts, peanut butter, small cereal boxes, individual fruit cups are always welcome. Questions? Contact Mary Lou Parry using the church directory.
Save the Date:
Blood Drive: Tuesday, March 14, 2:00pm – 7:00pm in the Parish Hall
Appointments are preferred. Register here and
(enter sponsor code: stpaulepisc), or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
altar Flowers
Today’s flowers are given by the Kelly family to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Helmut Lutter.
